Beautiful With You (Norman Reedus)

Chapter 2

I finished my small tour of New York and decided to treat myself to a small lunch; all of the walking made me less hungry than I was before, so I just ate salad. I slowly ate because of the people around me and I wanted to savor it. Plus it was cool inside and I could people watch. I sipped at my Pepsi as I continued to slowly eat, my eyes scanning the patrons and those that were walking in. I wondered what their lives were like. What kind of jobs do they have? Do they have families? I would make up scenarios in my head. A guy walked in in a suit and instantly he was working in one of the tall buildings. He had a high rise office and he was in charge. He was on his lunch break and very punctual as he kept looking at his watch; he probably has a wife and kids at home and wants to make sure that he is able to get all of his work done. He walked passed my table and I smirked to myself when I saw that he had a ring on his left ring finger.

I lifted my fork to my mouth as I took another bite, looking out the window as I chewed. People were rushing by and I kept my eyes darting back and forth between them. I tried to make up stories for them but they were moving too quickly. I wondered if I was ever going to look like them, walking around New York like I have a sense of purpose. Somewhere to be and being important; it is how I would like to feel. I sigh as I finish up my salad and look at the dessert menu, my stomach growling. I decided on the tiramisu, one of my favorite desserts. I ordered and set the menu down, the tinkling of the bells making my eyes snap up. My eyes opened wide as I saw the man that usually comes into the diner. He had the same Ray Bans on but a different outfit, topped off with the leather jacket that he usually wears.

I averted my gaze and picked at the cloth napkin that was lying on the table. I couldn't help but sneak a glance up at him and then back down. I could feel someone watching me but I didn't want to bring my eyes up from the table.

"You're the waitress that left without her tip," came a rough, but sexy voice and I couldn't help but shudder. I knew who the voice belonged to, but I wasn't going to fangirl. Why should I? I'm sure he gets it every time and I didn't want to be like that.

"I-I-I-I had to get to my class," I stuttered out, feeling my face flush even more. My cheeks were somewhat bright red and I felt awkward. It was how I usually am with people.

"Can I give it to you?" He asks me, his voice low and I could hear the lilt of nervousness and awkwardness shining through it.

"Y..y..you don't have to," I told him. Looking up at him I gave him a smile and the corner of his mouth twitches up. He wrapped his fingers around the chair back and pulled it out, taking a seat. I couldn't think straight and I couldn't believe it. He was sitting across from me, his elbows on the table and his hands clasped together. His sunglasses were still sitting on his face, but I knew that he was looking at me an awkward silence blanketing us. "What if I want to?" He finally breaks the silence with his question. I shrugged my shoulders, unable to form a reply to him. He lets out a small laugh and the waitress comes up.

"Can I get you anything?" She looked to the man and smiles softly, a look of recognition in her eyes but she kept her cool, which shocked me.

"I'd like some apple pie and coffee please," She set my tiramisu down and I could feel myself not that hungry anymore. I was a little shocked that he was still sitting here and apparently he planned on eating with me.

"Sure thing," She replied and moved away from the table and he shifted his face towards me and played with the napkin, wondering what to say and if I should really say anything. I don't want to make a fool out of myself but I don't want to be boring either. I am sitting here with someone I admire and I wasn't dreaming.